Bring the tropical flavors of Hawaii to your kitchen with these incredibly tender and flavorful Hawaiian-Style Slow Cooker Ribs. Marinated in a tangy, sweet, and savory sauce of pineapple, soy, and brown sugar, these fall-off-the-bone ribs are slow-cooked to perfection. The infusion of island-inspired ingredients will transport your taste buds to a tropical paradise. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, these ribs require minimal preparation but deliver maximum flavor, leaving everyone craving for more.
Ingredients:
- 3–4 pounds pork baby back ribs (or spare ribs)
- 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple, with juice
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for thickening the sauce)
- 2 tablespoons water (for cornstarch slurry)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Sliced green onions (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Ribs:
Rinse the ribs and pat them dry with a paper towel. If needed, remove the membrane from the underside of the ribs for extra tenderness. - Make the Sauce:
In a medium bowl, combine the crushed pineapple (with juice), soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, minced garlic, grated ginger, apple cider vinegar, sesame oil, smoked paprika (optional), and black pepper. Whisk until all ingredients are well mixed. - Layer the Ribs in the Slow Cooker:
Place the ribs into the slow cooker. If necessary, cut the ribs into smaller sections to fit. Pour the pineapple sauce mixture over the ribs, making sure they are well coated. - Slow Cook:
Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the ribs are tender and easily pull apart with a fork. - Thicken the Sauce (Optional):
Once the ribs are cooked, remove them from the slow cooker and transfer to a serving plate. To thicken the sauce, in a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Pour the cornstarch mixture into the slow cooker and stir. Cook on high for an additional 10-15 minutes until the sauce thickens. - Serve:
Pour the thickened sauce over the ribs. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, and sesame seeds for an extra pop of flavor and texture. - Enjoy:
Serve the Hawaiian-style ribs with steamed rice, roasted vegetables, or a tropical fruit salad for a complete island-inspired meal.